Film stars shortlisted for theatre awards

Hollywood actors are set to pick up prestigious theatre gongs at this year's Laurence Olivier Awards, with contenders including Jude Law, James McAvoy, Keira Knightley, Gillian Anderson and Rachel Weisz.

By The Newsroom

Published 9th Feb 2010, 09:53 BST

Updated 9th Feb 2010, 09:53 BST

The best actor category sees Law and McAvoy locked in battle with Darth Vader actor James Earl Jones. The 79-year-old star, who voiced Vader in the Star Wars movies, has been nominated for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

Law is up for best actor for Hamlet, which went down a storm on Broadway as well as in London.

McAvoy said he was "absolutely delighted" with his nomination, which he received for Three Days of Rain.

Mark Rylance, Ken Stott and Samuel West round off the list, which is one of several to have been lengthened due to an "outstanding" year for London theatre.

The shortlist for the audience award for most popular show, voted for by visitors to the Official London Theatre website, pits Billy Elliot, The Phantom of the Opera, War Horse, We Will Rock You and Wicked against each other.